Live Music Planning Reforms

The Victorian Government has recently announced their intention to introduce a new planning overlay which will allow local government to protect live music precincts and individual live music venues.  

This amendment from the State Government will give Yarra the ability to identify live music precincts, individual venues, and surrounding land in new Live Music Overlay Schedules at Clause 45.13. 

Yarra has identified five live music precincts;  

• Brunswick Street 

• Smith Street south 

• Johnston Street 

• Collingwood Yards 

• Richmond Station 

• Plus, other individual live music venues outside of these precincts.  

These venues and precincts were identified in the Live Music Precincts Background Issues, Opportunities and Actions [ PDF, 4.39 MB] (Yarra City Council, 2025).  

Live music makes a significant contribution to Yarra’s local economy and is a highly valued part of life in Yarra. Live music venues are facing significant challenges, such as rising music licensing fees, falling food and beverage sales, lower attendance, noise complaints, and growing tensions with nearby residential developments.  

The new Live Music Overlay will make these precincts more visible and recognises the social, economic and cultural benefits of live music venues. Introduction of the Live Music Overlay provides protections to live music venue operators and assures the community that live music will continue to contribute to our vibrant neighbourhoods. 

Yarra is also progressing Amendment C331 which proposes to replace the Schedule to Clause 53.06 Live music entertainment venues in the Yarra Planning Scheme with a new Schedule to designate live music precincts and venues within Yarra. 

Click here for more information about this amendment.